Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
A great postwar partly-printed passport for Brevet Brigadier General Henry Goddard Thomas (1837-1897) an Amherst College graduate who enlisted as a private in the 5th Maine in 1861 and rose to the rank of brevet brig. general and commander of United States Colored Troops, most notably during the battle of the Crater, Virginia on July 30, 1864, being a "Special Passport" issued by the Department of State, large folio, March 29, 1884, Washington, reading, in part: "…Know ye, That the bearer Brevet Brigadier General Henry G. Thomas, of the United States Army, is about proceeding abroad…permit him to pass freely…and protection as would be extended to like officers of Foreign Governments…". Signed and made official by FREDERICK T. FRELINGHUYSEN (1814-1885) as Secretary of State under President Chester A. Arthur. Housed in a handsome leather bound slip case with gold lettering "General Thomas, U. S. Army" appearing on the outside. These types of passports are rarely seen in the marketplace and are equivalent to a diplomat's passport. Overall VG to near fine
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